Systems and methods for producing, shipping, distributing, and storing hydrogen

ABSTRACT

These inventions related to systems and methods for producing, shipping, distributing, storing and consuming hydrogen. In one embodiment, a hydrogen production and storage system includes a plurality of wind turbines for generating electrical power; a power distribution control system for distributing, and converting the electrical power from the wind turbines, and an electrolyzer unit that receive electrical power from the power distribution system and purified water from the desalination units and thereby converts the water into hydrogen and oxygen. After its production, hydrogen is used produce electrical power as and when required. The power can come from a new and/or retrofitted power plant that uses a gas turbine to consume the hydrogen. Secondary electrical generation, co-generation is accomplished when the gas turbine exhaust is used to generate steam to turn a steam turbine and electrical generator.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation from U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/936,011, filed Nov. 6, 2007, which is incorporated in its entirety byreference herein. And U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/052,665 filedMar. 21, 2011, which is incorporated in its entirety by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field

These inventions relate to systems and methods for producing, shipping,distributing, and storing hydrogen.

2. Description of the Related Technology

Wind is the movement of air, which has mass, and when air is in motion,it contains kinetic energy. A wind energy system converts the kineticenergy of wind into mechanical or electrical energy that can beharnessed for practical use. Mechanical energy harnessed by windmills,for example, can be used for tasks such as pumping water for a well.Wind energy systems which harness the kinetic energy of the wind andconvert it to electrical energy are generally referred to as windturbines. As air flows past the rotor of a wind turbine, the rotor spinsand drives the shaft of a gear box which in turn drives an electricalgenerator to produce electricity. The electricity generated by a windturbine can be collected and fed into utility power lines, where it ismixed with electricity from other power plants and delivered to utilitycustomers.

While it is known that energy derived from wind systems may be convertedto energy of various forms, it is not common for electrical energyproduced from wind turbines to be used in the production of hydrogenfrom the electrolysis of water. Hydrogen does not occur free in naturein useful quantities. It has to be made. One way to make hydrogen is tosplit the water molecule H₂O to get the hydrogen. As this is typicallyan inefficient process, hydrogen is an energy transfer medium ratherthan a primary source of energy.

Hydrogen is the lightest of the elements with an atomic weight of 1.0.Liquid hydrogen has a density of 0.07 grams per cubic centimeter,whereas water has a density of 1.0 g/cc and gasoline about 0.75 g/cc.Advantageously, hydrogen stores approximately 2.6 times the energy perunit mass as gasoline. In addition, the burning of hydrogen produces nocarbon dioxide (CO₂) or any other green house gasses.

At present, hydrogen is mostly produced by steam methane reforming, andthis will probably remain the most economical way as long as methane(natural gas) is available cheaply and in large quantities, and hydrogenis required only in small quantities. However, with dwindling suppliesof methane, hydrogen will need to be obtained by splitting water H₂Ointo hydrogen H₂ and oxygen O₂.

Typically, users of wind energy systems convert the wind energy intoelectrical energy and use the electrical energy directly. Infrastructuresuch as power lines can transport that electrical energy to the generalpopulation from wind turbine farms. At best, hydrogen is produced as asecondary energy source if excess electrical energy remains. Suchhydrogen is usually stored and then burned to supplement electricalgeneration during times of low wind speeds due to a lack ofinfrastructure for transmission of hydrogen. However, as newinfrastructure is adopted by society with an eye towards beingenvironmentally friendly and less dependent on oil and gas resources, asignificant market for hydrogen will emerge. Thus, it would be desirableto provide systems and methods for harnessing wind energy and convertingsuch energy to hydrogen in a manner that would allow for the continuousand efficient production, storage, transportation, and distribution ofhydrogen to the general public for consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are methods of producing hydrogen at a hydrogen windfarm. In one embodiment, a method for controlling variability in poweroutput of a grid independent hydrogen producing wind farm includesmonitoring a power output level of the hydrogen producing wind farm,comparing the monitored power output level of the wind farm to a targetpower output level, the target output level being correlated to atargeted production rate of hydrogen, and commanding a change inelectrical power in one or more elements of the hydrogen producing windfarm facility, the one or more elements being selected from anelectrolyzer system electrically coupled to the wind farm, adesalination system electrically coupled to a wind farm, an watertransfer pumps electrically coupled to the wind farm, the commandingstep comprising balancing an amount of water transferred by the watertransfer pumps with the amount of electricity consumed by thedesalination system and the electrolyzer system. In some embodiments,the method also includes monitoring the targeted production rate ofhydrogen and comparing the rate of hydrogen production to a targetedrate of power output. In some embodiments, the method further includesproviding electricity generated by a converted diesel generatorelectrically coupled to the production facility. The purpose of suchgenerator is a “fail safe system” It only operates when there is notenough wind generated electricity to keep computers, monitors, sensors,etc. working.

in another embodiment, a method of storing hydrogen for shipping, themethod includes providing cryogenic liquid hydrogen, and storing thecryogenic hydrogen in a plurality of hydrogen storage tanks, eachhydrogen storage tank is located within a standardized shippingcontainer comprising one or more side walls, one or more bottom walls;and one or more top walls, the one or more side walls, the one or morebottom walls, and the one or more tops walls are in contact to define aninterior of the container. In some embodiments, the method furtherincludes loading each of the standardized shipping containers onto acontainer ship or a container truck.

In another embodiment, a method includes loading or unloading astandardized shipping container having a hydrogen storage tank insidethe container. In certain embodiments, the method includes loading orunloading a container from a transportation vehicle having a storageportion having a bed configured to deliver or receive a standardizedshipping container having a hydrogen storage tank disposed within; thebed comprising a railing system configured to receive a bottom portionof the standardized shipping container, the railing system comprising atleast two parallel rails, each rail having one or more rollers such thatthe standardized shipping container may roll from a receiving/deliveryposition to a transport position. In some embodiments, the shippingcontainer is locked in place by its corners while being transported. Incertain embodiments, the container will have removable wheels at allfour corners and two rollers or more to roll on the rails. In certainembodiments, the rollers will be at the winch end of the container.

In another embodiment, a method of distributing hydrogen at a hydrogenfilling station is described. The method may include receiving acontainer from a transportation vehicle on a railing system configuredto receive a bottom portion of the standardized shipping container, therailing system comprising at least two parallel rails, each rail havingone or more rollers such that the standardized shipping container mayroll from a transport position on the transportation vehicle to thedelivery position at the hydrogen filling station. In certainembodiments, the method includes delivering hydrogen from thestandardized shipping container to a hydrogen filling pump.

In another embodiment, systems for producing hydrogen are described. Inone embodiment, a system for producing hydrogen includes a plurality of1 to 20 MW wind turbines, the plurality of 1 to 20 MW wind turbineshaving a total capacity of between about 1000 to about 10000 MW output,wherein each of the plurality of wind turbines comprises a generatorthat produces electricity. In another embodiment, a system for producinghydrogen includes a plurality of 2.5 to 15 MW wind turbines, theplurality of 2.5 to 15 MW wind turbines having a total capacity ofbetween about 20 to about 3000 MW output. In another embodiment, asystem for producing hydrogen includes a plurality of 1 to 20 MW windturbines, the plurality of 2.5 to 15 MW wind turbines having a totalcapacity of between about 50 to about 2500 MW output. The system mayfurther include a power distribution system operatively connected to theplurality of wind turbines, the power distribution system capable ofreceiving electricity generated by the plurality of wind turbines. Thesystem may further include one or more desalination units capable ofreceiving salt water and converting the salt water to a purified waterhaving less than 100 ppm of total dissolved solids; the one or moredesalination units operating on the electricity produced by the windturbines and processed in the power distribution system. In someembodiments, the system includes a plurality of electrolytic cells forconverting the DC electricity into hydrogen; wherein each of theplurality of electrolytic cells generates between about 200 to about1000 Nm³/hour of hydrogen; each electrolytic cell utilizing an amount ofDC energy between about 3 to about 7 kWh of DC energy to produce 1 Nm³of hydrogen. In certain embodiments, the system also includes a hydrogenpurification, storage and pressurization system for receiving hydrogenfrom the electrolyzer unit, purifying it and storing the hydrogen underpressure at normal, reduced and/or cryogenic temperatures. As describedherein, the system may be configured to be grid-independent. In oneembodiment, the system may further include a converted diesel generatorsystem that is configured to operate on the hydrogen produced by thesystem and capable of producing electrical energy in manner such thatthe system is self-sustaining when wind is not sufficient to generateenough electricity to sustain all elements of the system.

In another embodiment, a power plant system includes a hydrogen storagetank, a hydrogen combustion turbine, water that receives heat from theheat of combustion of hydrogen from the hydrogen combustion turbine; anda steam turbine that receives the heated water. In some embodiments, thehydrogen storage tank comprises an outlet for delivering off-gashydrogen from the storage tank to the hydrogen combustion turbine.

In another embodiment, a method of delivering hydrogen to a power plantis described. The method may include mooring a ship to a buoy, the buoycomprising a hydrogen receiving line in fluid connection with a powerplant comprising a hydrogen combustion chamber for generatingelectricity, and transferring hydrogen from the ship to the hydrogenreceiving line. In certain embodiments, the method may also includeproviding hydrogen to the ship from a hydrogen wind farm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a system for the production ofhydrogen.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a hydrogen production facility includingwind turbines located adjacent to a body of water and a port fordelivering hydrogen to ships.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of land-based and off-shore wind turbines.

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of the hydrogen production facility andvarious components of the power distribution system.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of the power regulator in communicationwith the electrolyzer, desalination, and salt water transfer pumpsystems.

FIG. 6 is one embodiment of a desalination system.

FIG. 7 is one embodiment of an electrolyzer unit.

FIG. 8 is one embodiment of a hydrogen storage module.

FIG. 9 is one embodiment of a ship having a hydrogen storage module thatreceives hydrogen for transport.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of a shipping container.

FIG. 11 is a hydrogen storage and transport tank.

FIG. 12 illustrates the hydrogen storage and transport tank disposedwithin the shipping container.

FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing of a hydrogen-retrofit power plantadjacent to a body of water.

FIG. 14 illustrates a standard trailer for shipping the hydrogen tankshipping containers on trucks or other automobiles

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of a hydrogen filling station andpump.

FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing of a plurality of standardized shippingcontainers in use at a hydrogen filling station.

FIG. 17 is a drawing of a trailer and loading dock equipped with a railsystem to facilitate loading and unloading of shipping containers havinghydrogen storage tanks.

FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a system on a delivery automobilefor unloading standardized shipping containers.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of a consumer version of a hydrogenfilling station.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The State of California is taking the initiative to fund and buildhydrogen infrastructure. At the time of the filing of this application,California has set aside 25 millions dollars to fund infrastructure forhydrogen filling stations. This program is being administered byengineers in the California Air Resources Board, SustainableTransportation Branch. A goal of the program is to have self-sustaininghydrogen filling stations throughout the state. Such filling stationswill use power from the electrical energy grid and thus generatehydrogen on site. Applicant has discovered that such self-sustaininghydrogen stations are not economically viable.

The State of California uses about 17 billions gallons of gasoline peryear throughout California. If California were to replace all of thisgasoline with hydrogen, it would need 17 billion Gasoline GallonEquivalents (GGE) per year. This amount would require approximately 51billion gallons of fresh water a year for electrolysis. There is a verylimited supply of fresh water across the state of California, and thereare costs associated with transporting the water for the purpose ofhaving self-sustaining filling stations.

The average gasoline station in California dispenses about 100,000gallons of gasoline per month. Assuming that there would be the samenumber of hydrogen dispensing stations, each hydrogen station woulddispense 100,000 GGE of hydrogen per month. Each GGE of hydrogenrequires 50 kWh of electricity, assuming that efficient electrolyzersare used and substantially no power is required for compression orfiltering. The self-sustaining hydrogen stations would thus require5,000,000 kWh per month to produce the required amount of hydrogen. Thisis equivalent to the same amount of electricity that powers 10,000 homesin the state of California. With approximately 14,000 total fillingstations across the state, the total power required to produce hydrogeneach month is the same power required to power 141 million homes. As theState of California frequently faces energy shortages, it is not clearhow such self-filling stations are feasible.

Moreover, it costs approximately $20 per GGE to produce hydrogen fromthe electrical power grid based on the current price of energy. Unlessanother way is found to generate surplus energy, these costs will onlyremain the same or increase over time. Thus, it is not economicallyfeasible to produce hydrogen from the current electrical power grid.

However, Applicant has discovered that embodiments described hereinresult in a method of producing, shipping, distributing and storinghydrogen in an economically feasible manner. These embodiments relate toa hydrogen production system that utilizes wind turbines for theproduction of electrical energy, a water purification unit for receivingand purifying water, and an electrolysis system for converting theelectrical energy and the purified water into hydrogen. It has beendiscovered that such a system can operate in a self sustaining manner iflocated on certain islands or adjacent to certain bodies of water. Theselocations generally incur wind power densities at 10 m elevation ofgreater than 250 W/m² of wind energy, and more preferably greater than400 W/m², and even more preferably greater than 800 W/m². In certainlocalities according to some embodiments, the wind power density at 10 melevation is greater than 1000 W/m². All of the aforementionedlocalities in combination with the systems described herein provide anoptimal environment and system for the production of hydrogen in aself-sustaining hydrogen facility.

Moreover, the embodiments also relate to methods and systems for storingand shipping the hydrogen once produced by a wind powered hydrogenproduction system. In particular, embodiments relate to the storage ofliquefied and/or pressurized hydrogen on site at the wind poweredhydrogen production facility. The hydrogen may then be transferred to aship for shipping away from the wind powered hydrogen productionfacility to a receiving facility. Particular methods of storing andtransporting the hydrogen on a ship are further described herein.

Furthermore, embodiments also include methods of distributing hydrogenfrom the receiving facility. In some embodiments, the hydrogen isoffloaded into shipping transportation vehicles which transport thehydrogen to other receiving stations which include, but are not limitedto, filling stations, pump, other storage facilities and the like. Insome embodiments, the transportation vehicles include compressed orliquid hydrogen tanks for storing the transported hydrogen. In certainembodiments, the transportation vehicles are also driven by the storedhydrogen. Such transport vehicles may pump hydrogen into the receivingstations or it may deliver the tank, or a container comprising the tank,to the receiving station. In some embodiments, a shipping containercontaining a tank may be delivered and a container with an empty tankmay be removed from the receiving station.

The embodiments of the invention may be better understood by referenceto the following description of each individual component which isintended for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed asin any way limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined in theclaims appended hereto. It should be further noted that each individualcomponent or step of the invention is individually described below;however, one or more of the components or steps may be used together incertain embodiments as further discussed herein and as would beunderstood by a person having ordinary skill in the art upon readingthis specification.

Hydrogen Production Facility

In some embodiments, a hydrogen production facility includes elementsnecessary to convert water, such as salt water, into liquid hydrogen byusing electrical energy produced by one or more wind turbines, and thenstoring such hydrogen for later shipping, distribution, and utilization.The elements used to perform such production and storage includes aplurality of wind turbines, a power distribution control system, anoptional water desalination/purification system, a bank of electrolyzerunits, and a hydrogen storage device. One or more of the above listedcomponents may be optional or replaced by a similar function element inthe operation of the hydrogen production facility. Such hydrogenproduction facility will also be equipped with necessary loading docks,loading cranes, transfer lines, pipes (above and below ground) andequipment to transfer hydrogen to ships and/or load containers. In apreferred embodiment, the facility will have deep water access whichallows ships to receive hydrogen directly from the facility and/oroff-site storage tanks.

Referring to FIG. 1, wind farm 1 provides electrical power to powerdistribution system 2. Power distribution system 2 may transmitelectricity to one or more components of the hydrogen productionfacility. As shown, power distribution system 2 provides electricity tothe transfer pump 3 and desalination system 4. Transfer pump 3 maytransfer salt water from the body of water 15 to desalination system 4.Power distribution system 2 may also provide electricity to theelectrolysis system 5. Electrolysis system 5 receives purified waterfrom desalination unit 4 and converts the water into hydrogen and oxygenwith the electricity from power distribution system 2.

Once hydrogen has been produced, it may be immediately stored and thenshipped, or further purified prior to storage. Continuing to refer toFIG. 1, hydrogen produced by electrolysis system 5 is further purifiedand/or compressed by the filter 6 and/or compression unit 7. In certainembodiments, the hydrogen is then stored in storage tank 9. In otherembodiments, the hydrogen is compressed at compressor 7 and then storedin storage tank 8. Such stored hydrogen may then be shipped anddistributed.

It is desirable to locate embodiments of the system near water and windsources. It has been discovered that one place to use such systems andmethods is on or near one or more islands, island chains, or peninsulas.In another embodiment, the systems and methods are located adjacent tobodies of saltwater. In one embodiment, the systems and methods areemployed on an island or in coastal waters up to 200 feet deep andgenerally within 2000 meters of an island. It is desirable that suchislands have a wind supply that can continuously support the windturbines as described herein. These locations generally incur wind powerdensities at 10 m of greater than 250 W/m² of wind energy, and morepreferably greater than 400 W/m², and even more preferably greater than800 W/m². In certain localities according to some embodiments, the windpower density at 10 m elevation is greater than 1000 W/m². Nonlimitingexamples of suitable islands and islands chains on which the systems canbe located on or near include the Farallon Islands, San Miguel, SantaRosa Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Nicolas, Island, San ClementeIsland, Catalina Island, Santa Barbara Island, Anacapa Island, theHawaiian Islands, the Marshal Islands, the Lesser and Greater Antilles,Cape Horn, the Falkland Islands, or the Aleutian Islands. In someembodiments, the wind turbines may be located in places including, butnot limited to, southern Chile and Argentina, the Straits of Magellan,Tierra del Fuego, Beagle Canal and Ushuaia. It is within the scope ofinvention to locate various elements or modules of the facility indifferent locations, depending on the location and specifications of thefacility. Likewise, two or more facilities may be located in differentlocations and work together to produce hydrogen.

Referring to FIG. 2, a hydrogen production facility 20 is locatedadjacent to a body of water 15. The hydrogen production facility 20includes a plurality of wind turbines 21 which transmit electricity tofacility 20. The facility 20 includes a salt water storage tank 25,power distribution system 2, desalination system 4, electrolysis system5, and compressor 7. Other components described herein may also bepresent but are not illustrated. The facility 20 further includesstorage tanks 9 which receive hydrogen from electrolysis system 5.

Attempts have been made to use hydrogen production facilities on islandsor near water. However, these facilities are patentably distinct fromthe embodiments described herein for a number of reasons. The primarypurpose of such projects is to use wind energy to generate electricityto meet the demand of homes. To do so, the electricity from the windenergy is transferred to a power grid that is further connected toindividual homes and businesses. Typically, this occurs during highdemand periods during the day. Only during low demand periods, such windturbines are used to produce hydrogen with any excess electricity.However, even during the low demand periods the systems are still griddependent as the demand from the grid may change and the power isredirected into the grid to supply the needs of homes and businesses.

In contrast, some embodiments of the Applicant's invention are solelydedicated to the production of hydrogen. Applicant has unexpectedlydevised a grid-independent hydrogen production facility. “Gridindependent” as defined herein is a broad term used in its ordinarysense and includes, without limitation, when the hydrogen productionfacility is not connected to a larger power generation system that wouldsupport the hydrogen production facility.

Moreover, the previously designed facilities do not produce enoughhydrogen to justify the shipping of hydrogen from the island to otherlocalities. Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, hydrogen production facility20 also includes port 30. The port 30 is capable of receiving hydrogenfrom hydrogen storage tanks 9 and allocating hydrogen to ships locatedin the port 30. As shown, the port may accommodate container ships 31and hydrogen ships 32. These types of ships are further describedherein.

Advantageously, Applicant has discovered a hydrogen production facilitycapable of producing sufficient amounts of hydrogen to justify theshipping of hydrogen. In addition, the hydrogen production facilityutilizes a method of producing hydrogen and allocating power whichfacilitates the shipping of hydrogen.

Certain elements of the hydrogen production facility are furtherdescribed below. However, the disclosed elements of the hydrogenproduction facility are not intended to limit the scope of the inventionwhich is described in the claims appended hereto.

A. Wind Turbines

Systems of certain embodiments include one or more wind turbines. Inparticular embodiments, a plurality of wind turbines create electricalpower to be used in one or more of the components in the productionand/or storage of hydrogen produced from the electrolyzer units, in someembodiments, the plurality of wind turbines is the sole electricalgenerating device for the facility. In other embodiments, electricalpower for the facility may be supplemented by other electricalgenerating means such as a converted diesel engine generator set.

Wind turbines generally include blades that are attached to a rotatinghub, which most commonly revolves around a horizontal axis. The hub isconnected to a drive shaft, which transfers energy to a generator, oftenvia a gearbox. The drive train and gear box are typically located insidea nacelle or housing, which is generally mounted at the top of a tower.

Many wind turbines have many options for their power output. In certainembodiments, the generated energy is converted to AC power in thenacelle of the turbine. In some embodiments, the voltage and frequencyof the power generated by the wind turbine is set to meet the needs ofthe user. For example, the power output may be varied between about 440volts or to about 12,000 volt. In some embodiments, the frequency of thecurrent may be 50 or 60 Hz. In certain embodiments, the output frequencyof the wind turbine needs to be matched to the frequency of equipmentthat the power is being generated for. For example, the output frequencyof the wind turbine may be adjusted to provide a current frequencyrequired to operate one or more electrical components of the facility,including but not limited to, pumps, filters, compressors, one or moreelectrolyzers, one or more desalination units, the power distributionand control system. In some embodiments, frequency adjustments may becontrolled by the power control and distribution center. In certainembodiments, frequency adjustments may be required to operate one ormore of the components of the hydrogen generation facility.

The collective energy produced from the wind turbines may vary accordingto the number of wind turbines and the average wind speed. Examples ofcertain nonlimiting embodiments are further described herein. However,it is within the skill of an ordinary artisan to scale such embodimentsto a desired system and total output. In some embodiments, the pluralityof wind turbines has a total annual energy yield of between about 20 toabout 10,000 MW output. However, it is contemplated that certainembodiments may exceed 10,000 MW of hourly energy yield. In someembodiments, the plurality of wind turbines has a total hourly energyyield of between about 50 to about 8,000 MW output. In some embodiments,the plurality of wind turbines has a total hourly energy yield ofbetween about 200 to about 7,000 MW output. In some embodiments, theplurality of wind turbines has a total hourly energy yield of betweenabout 500 to about 5,000 MW output.

To generate a total output, a plurality of wind turbines may be usedtogether. As such each wind turbine may be operationally connected toanother wind turbine or the wind turbines may be connected to powerdistribution and control system of the facility. Wind turbines havingthe same or different outputs may be used depending on the applications.In some embodiments, the wind turbines comprise a plurality of 0.5 to 10MW wind turbines. In some embodiments, the wind turbines comprise aplurality of 1 to 7 MW wind turbines. In some embodiments, the windturbines comprise a plurality of 2 to 6 MW wind turbines. In someembodiments, the wind turbines comprise a plurality of 3 to 15 MW windturbines. In some embodiments, the wind turbines comprise a plurality of1 to 100 MW wind turbines. The selection of the exact output of eachwind turbine may vary based on its location, the amount of wind itencounters at such location, and the relative spacing between other windturbines.

Winds will obviously vary at the location of the wind turbines. In someembodiments, the annual average wind speed of the location of theplurality of wind turbines will be between 4 to about 25 m/s at theelevation of the wind turbine hub. In some embodiments, the annualaverage wind speed of the location of the plurality of wind turbineswill be between 5 to about 10 m/s at the elevation of the wind turbinehub. In some embodiments, the annual average wind speed of the locationof the plurality of wind turbines will be between 6 to about 9 m/s atthe elevation of the wind turbine hub. In some embodiments, the annualaverage wind speed of the location of the plurality of wind turbineswill be between 7 to about 15 m/s at the elevation of the wind turbinehub. In some embodiments, the annual average wind speed of the locationof the plurality of wind turbines will be between 9 to about 30 m/s atthe elevation of the wind turbine hub.

According to some embodiments, each of the plurality of wind turbinesmay be optimally spaced apart for the efficient utilization of windenergy. In some embodiments, the spacing may depend on a variety offactors, such as those described above, including the blade diameter ofeach wind turbine, the area of land in which the wind turbine islocated, and the approximate location of other wind turbines, surfaceconditions of the land, angle of the wind, wind turbulence, wind gustswind variations. Placement of the wind turbines may vary, but it hasbeen found to be optimum at lengths of between about 1.5 to 3 times thediameters of the blades from side to side and at lengths of betweenabout 7 to 13 times the diameter of the blades downwind from the other.

In some embodiments, a plurality of 2.5 MW wind turbines may be used. Asuitable example of a wind turbine that may be used according to someembodiments is the GE Energy 2.5 MW Wind Turbine. Such wind turbineshave variable hub heights, rotor diameters, speed control, and bladepitch. However, it is within the scope of the various embodiments toinclude variations of output and other design features in the windturbine.

Current blade diameters for the General Electric 1.5 MW wind turbinesare 254 feet, the 2.5 MW wind turbines are 330 feet and the 3.6 MW windturbines are 345 feet. The tower and/or hub height for the machinesvaries depending upon need but typically are in the following ranges:1.5 MW hubs are between about 165 feet to about 350 feet high and the2.5 MW hubs are between about 200 to about 450 feet high. In someembodiments, the blade diameter of each wind turbine is between about320 to about 380 feet. In some embodiments, the blade diameter of eachwind turbine is between about 330 to about 360 feet. In someembodiments, the blade diameter of each wind turbine is between about345 feet and 500 feet.

The output of a wind turbine depends on a number of factors, includingthe turbine's size and design, the speed of wind passing through therotor, and the amount of time each day that wind is available and thenumber of days per year that the wind is available. The energy that windcontains is a function of the speed of the wind or the kinetic energy ofthe wind. For example, a wind turbine at a site with a 10 meter persecond wind speed can generate 70% more energy than a wind turbine at asite with an 8 meter per second wind speed.

Advantageously, the average output of the wind turbines described hereinranges from about 40% to about 100% of the rated labeled output of thewind turbines. In some embodiments, the average output of the windturbines ranges from about 50% to about 100% of the rated labeled outputof the wind turbines. In some embodiments, the average output of thewind turbines ranges from about 60% to about 100% of the rated labeledoutput of the wind turbines. In some embodiments, the average output ofthe wind turbines ranges from about 70% to about 100% of the ratedlabeled output of the wind turbines. The average power output ofembodiments described herein can be effectuated by placement of the windturbines in a location having good wind speeds, such as between about 10and about 30 m/s, or between about 12 and about 30 m/s, or between about14 and about 35 m/s, or even higher values in certain locations. Assuch, the wind farms may be made to be economically feasible. Moreover,wind farms described herein are configured to be grid-independent windfarms. Grid-dependent wind farms may require aerial power transmissionlines which could be negatively affected by such high winds. It shouldbe noted that previous grid-dependent wind farms have been located inareas in which the average output has ranged between 25% and 36% averageoutput capacity, based on the rated labeled output capacity of the windturbines.

Referring to FIG. 3, land based wind turbines 34 and off shore windturbines 35 are shown. In some embodiments, a wind farm of the hydrogenproduction facility may include both land based wind turbines 34 andoff-shore wind turbines 35. As electricity produced by the wind turbinesmust be transferred to the power distribution system, the wind turbinesare preferably located within transmittable distance of the powerdistribution facility. In some embodiments, off-shore wind turbines arelocated within 2000 meters of the coast.

In one nonlimiting example, a plurality of wind turbines is located onSanta Rosa Island. Santa Rosa Islands is an island in the Channelislands National Park located of the coast of Southern California. Eachwind turbine is a GE 2.5 MW Wind. Turbine having a blade diameter of 330feet. The wind turbines are spaced side to side at two times the bladelength at 660 feet, and clown stream of each other at 3300 feet. Windturbines are located across the entire 53,195 acres of the island suchthat the average area of the wind turbine is 100 acres, thus allowingfor 550 turbines to be located on the island. Another 136 wind turbinesare located in coastal water surrounding the island. Santa Rosa Islandencounters an average wind speed of 7.75 meters per second. Each turbinehas an output of 7.5 million KWh per turbine, for a total output of 4.7billion KWh per year.

B. Power Distribution Systems & Shipping Based Thereon

In some embodiments, the power distribution system comprises acontroller. The controller commands and controls the power generated bythe plurality of wind turbines and allocates the power to one or moreelements of the system. The controller may be programmed to outputcertain amounts, types, and frequencies of power depending on one ormore input variables and output variables.

Input variables include, but are not limited to, the instantaneous windspeed, wind direction at the location of the wind turbines, various sizeand output parameters of the wind turbines, generator type, efficiencyof the wind turbine and other such variables that affect power outputfrom the wind turbines. In addition, input variables may include typesand sizes of electrical lines transporting the power from the windturbines to the power distribution and control system.

Output variables include, but are not limited to, one or more of thetype, the phase, the frequency, and the voltage of power required tooperate one or more components of the hydrogen generation facility. Toaccommodate one or more output variables, the power distribution controlsystem may be equipped with one or more of converters, frequencyconverters, power regulators, transformers, switches, diodes, resistors,vacuum tubes, capacitors, coils, potentiostats, or the like.

In some embodiments, the power distribution system may also includeenergy storage units. Such energy storage units may be used to storeenergy such as the electric power generated by the wind turbines. Insome embodiments, the energy storage units comprise a hydrogen storageunit for storing an amount of hydrogen produced by the one or moreelectrolyzer units. Such storage units may be used to replenish a storedamount of energy from the renewable energy resources such that thesystem and methods may be operated in a continuous and self sustainingcapacity.

The power distribution system may distribute power generated from thewind turbines to one or more of the other systems modules, such as theelectrolyzer module, the desalination module, or the storage module.Moreover, the power distribution system may allocate power to thecontrol systems of the wind turbines themselves, although the powernecessary to control the wind turbines may also be produced from thewind turbines themselves or other energy means located on the windturbines, such as solar energy panels or batteries.

Power output of the wind turbines is greatly influenced by windconditions on individual wind turbine generators. The inherent inertiaof individual wind turbines and the varied operating conditions of windturbines across a large wind farm may contribute, to an extent, tosmoothing of some variation in power output of the wind farm. However,given the changeable nature of winds, it is possible that the collectiveoutput of a wind farm can vary from relatively low output levels to fullpower, and vice versa, in relatively short periods of time. Becauseelectrical power is not stored on the power generation system except ashydrogen itself, a balance between electricity generated and electricityconsumed must be achieved.

Power fluctuation of wind turbines due to gusty or low wind conditionsis usually dealt with by adjusting power output of other powergeneration sources to provide a relatively constant overall power levelwhich matches the demands of the grid system. However, certainembodiments of the hydrogen production facilities as described hereinare grid-independent and therefore power variations are not a concern orproblem.

In order to compensate for these power fluctuations of the plurality ofwind turbines, the power distribution system can affect electricconsumption changes in one or more components of the hydrogen productionfacility. If and when electrical power production is below a targetlevel, the power distribution system may cut power to one or moresystems of the facility. In particular embodiments, the powerdistribution system may decrease power to systems in the followingorder: (1) systems such as the transfer pumps, desalination, andelectrolysis systems only as required; (2) hydrogen storage andrefrigeration; (3) system controls, monitors and sensors. However, it ispreferable that the system controls, monitors, and sensors never gowithout power. Therefore, a generator may be used for the systemcontrols, monitors, and sensors. In some embodiments, hydrogenproduction is dependent upon water and electricity. In some embodiments,the volume of water consumed to produce hydrogen must be substantiallyequivalent to the volume of water processed by the desalination systems.Further, the hydrogen purification and pumping systems must operate tohandle the hydrogen produced.

While pumps may be cycled on and off in certain embodiments, it ispreferred that cycling pumps on and off is an inefficient process.Moreover, utilizing back-up systems may also be inefficient. As such,some embodiments include a continuous production methodology to avoidsuch inefficiencies.

Referring to FIG. 4, a wind farm 1 transmits electricity to the powerdistribution system 2. The power distribution system 2 includes a powersensor 41, a power regulator 43, and auxiliary power unit 45. Powersensor 41 may monitor the total power output of the wind farm 1. Bycomparing the total power output to a target power output, the powersensor 41 may signal the power regulator 43 to adjust power to one ormore components of the system including the electrolyzer system 5, thedesalination system 4, or the salt water transfer pump 3. The powerregulator may also be operationally connected to other components suchas the compressor, transfer pumps, a wind farm maintenance station, andother various infrastructures that support the hydrogen productionfacility.

When the total power output is greater than the target power output, thepower regulator can increase rate of production of hydrogen. To do so,the power regulator 43 can increase electricity flow to the one or morecomponents selected from the electrolyzer system 5, the desalinationsystem 4, or the salt water transfer pump 3. In some embodiments, aincrease of electrical power to all of these components results in anincreased production rate of hydrogen. In certain embodiments, the powerregulator 43 may increase electrical flow to these systems in discreteamounts.

When the total power output is less than the target power output, thepower regulator can decrease rate of production of hydrogen. To do so,the power regulator 43 can decrease electricity flow one of the systemsnoted above. In some embodiments, the power regulator decreases power tothe electrolyzer system 5, the desalination system 4, or the salt watertransfer pump 3. In preferred embodiments, the clean output of the oneor more desalination units is equivalent to the water consumption of theelectrolyzer system. In some embodiments, a decrease of electrical powerto all of these components results in a decreased production rate ofhydrogen. In certain embodiments, the power regulator 43 may decreaseelectrical flow to these systems in discrete amounts.

As discussed below, the electrolyzer system may include two or moreelectrolyzer units. Likewise, the desalination system may include two ormore desalination units, and the salt water transfer pump system mayinclude two or more transfer pumps. With increased numbers of theseunits, hydrogen production can be increased. It is also contemplatedthat each individual unit may be regulated so that hydrogen productionis increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the flow ofelectricity to the individual unit.

In certain embodiments, the component system operationally connected tothe power regulator 43 include banks of individual electrolyzer units51,52,53, desalination units 54,55,56 or transfer salt water transferpumps 57,58,59. As shown in FIG. 5, the electrolyzer system 5 includesan electrolyzer system power control 60 and a plurality of electrolyzerunits 51,52,53. The desalination system includes a desalination powercontrol 65 and a plurality of desalination units 54,55,56. The saltwater transfer pump system includes a transfer pump power control 70 andtransfer pumps 57, 58,59. Power regulator supplies electricity to one ormore of the electrolyzer units 5, desalination system 4, and salt watertransfer pump system 3. The power controls 60,65,70 of each individualsystem may modify the electricity flowing to each individual component.In some embodiments, the power controls 60,65,70 may function toactivate or deactivate one or more of the individual units. For example,when the target power output level is exceeded by the actual totaloutput level, the power regulator can communicate with one or more otherpower regulators 60,65,70 to activate individual units of theelectrolyzer system 5, the desalination system 4, or the salt watertransfer pump system 3. In some embodiments, activation of additionalunits results in increased water flow rates from the transfer pumpsystem to the desalination system and to the electrolyzer system. Thus,hydrogen may be produced at a greater rate when output power is greaterthan the target power.

As is further illustrated in FIG. 4, power regulator 43 may be incommunication with a hydrogen sensor in the electrolyzer system 5. Powerregulator 43 may monitor the rate of hydrogen production through suchsensor. In certain embodiments, power regulator 43 may operate to send asignal to a receiving station 80 or a hydrogen ship located at thereceiving station 80 or a hydrogen ship in transit. Upon receiving thesignal, the hydrogen ship or the receiving station 80 may process thesignal and prepare to receive hydrogen from the hydrogen productionfacility.

In one embodiment, a method for controlling variability in power outputof a grid independent hydrogen producing wind farm includes monitoring apower output level of the hydrogen producing wind farm, comparing themonitored power output level of the wind farm to a target power outputlevel, the target output level being correlated to a targeted productionrate of hydrogen, commanding a change in electrical power in one or moreelements of the hydrogen producing wind farm facility, the one or moreelements being selected from an electrolyzer system electrically coupledto the wind farm, a desalination, system electrically coupled to a windfarm, or a diesel generator (used to maintain power to criticalmonitoring and control systems) electrically coupled to the wind farm,wherein the step of commanding a change maintains a net power outputlevel by the wind farm based upon the comparison and monitoring thetargeted production rate of hydrogen and comparing the rate of change inhydrogen production to a targeted rate of change of power output.

Advantageously, efficiencies of shipping hydrogen may be maximized byutilizing such a power distribution control system 2. In one embodiment,a target output capacity of power (and thus of hydrogen) is correlatedwith one or more variables including the number of ships transportinghydrogen, the size of the ships, the amount of container units on theship, the capacity of the ship (sometimes measured in Twenty FootEquivalent units if it is a container ship), speed of each hydrogentransport ship, direction of the hydrogen transport ship, course of thehydrogen transport ship, and the schedule of the hydrogen transportship.

In one embodiment, the total output capacity may be greater than thetarget output capacity over a given time period. As such, it may be moreefficient to send more ships or ships having greater capacity to thehydrogen production facility so that the increased amount of hydrogenmay be accommodated. Conversely, when the total output capacity is lessthan the target capacity (and the output results in reduced hydrogenproduction), then less ships or ships having a smaller capacity mayaccommodate the amount of hydrogen production.

C. Desalination Systems

In certain embodiments, the hydrogen production facility is locatedadjacent to a body of water. Advantageously, the location providesaccess to this natural resource. In certain embodiments, the facilitylocated adjacent to a body of salt or seawater. In such cases,desalination systems may be used for removing most of the dissolvedsolids from seawater and from other sources of water, which areultimately split into hydrogen and oxygen. According to variousembodiments, the desalination system receives water from the adjacentwater source. In some embodiments, the sediment is first removed fromthe water and then the water is processed through reverse osmosisfilters and purified to have less than about 200 ppm of total dissolvedsolids, and preferably less than 5 ppm of total dissolved solids.

Desalination units are well known to those having ordinary skill in theart. Referring to FIG. 6, a typical example of a desalination train isshown. In accordance with certain embodiments, the desalination systemmay include one or more reverse osmosis devices or other devices capableof removing the dissolved solids from the water. In accordance withsystems described herein, the desalination unit receives electricalenergy from the power distribution control system and operatesexclusively from such electrical energy. In some embodiments, therejected water will be returned to the original source.

Example of suitable desalination units includes those sold by GlobalEnviroscience Technologies, Inc. (Long Beach, Calif.). In certainembodiments, the units may be operated off of a designated voltage orfrequency, such as 120V 60 Hz, 220V 60 Hz, 440V 60 Hz or Europeanfrequencies of 50 Hz. Such desalinations units are referred to as trainsand these trains may be extended if more volume of water is necessary topurify, or more than one unit may be utilized.

D. Electrolyzer

As noted above in the Background section, electrolysis of water resultsin the conversion of water into its elemental components: hydrogen andoxygen. While electrolysis can be accomplished in various devices, incertain embodiments, a plurality of electrolytic cells or electrolyzersare used to convert the electrical energy and the water into hydrogen.Such electrolyzers may be located at the facility for converting thewater into hydrogen using the electrical energy. Referring to FIG. 7, atypical electrolyzer unit is shown. In some embodiments, each of theplurality of electrolytic cells receives water from the desalinationunit (or other source as desalination in optional) and generates betweenabout 200 to about 700 Nm³/hour of hydrogen by utilizing the electricalpower allocated by the power distribution control system.

In some embodiments, each electrolytic cell utilizes an amount ofelectrical energy between about 3 to about 6 kWh of electrical energy toproduce 1 Nm³ of hydrogen. In some embodiments, the total capacity ofthe plurality of electrolyzers may be determined by the number ofelectrolyzers employed. In another embodiment, one or more of theelectrolyzers may be configured to have a higher output based on thesize, energy, and the amount of water that is processed.

Example of preferred electrolyzers include the Norsk Hydro's AtmosphericElectrolyzers having an output ranging from 60 Nm³/h-485 Nm³/h,including Type No. 5040. Such electrolyzers receive DC power. Forexample, the Norsk Hydro's Atmospheric Electrolyzer Type No 5040 mayhave a maximum DC Power Rating of 5150 Amp DC. The amount of hydrogenproduction may vary depending on the power.

Preferred electrolyzers may use various catalysts and electrolytes toassist in the production of hydrogen. In some embodiments, the purifiedor fresh water received by the electrolyzers is mixed with anelectrolyte to form approximate 15 to about 35% aqueous solution. Insome embodiment, the water is mixed with KOH to form a solution having aconcentration of about 20 to about 30% by weight of KOH.

In certain embodiments, an electrolyzer system may include two or moreelectrolyzer units. In certain embodiments, an electrolyzer system mayinclude 500 or more electrolyzer units. In any of the describedembodiments, the electrolyzer units may be mounted on skids or metalrails. In certain embodiments, the skids enable a user to move theelectrolyzers as necessary, by using a forklift or other such device.The two or more electrolyzers may be connected to central manifolds bymeans of bolted flanges. The manifolds, one to supply water and one toremove produced hydrogen will have flexible connections to facilitatethe simple addition and removal of the electrolyzers units. For example,a flexible bellows line could be used. The electrolyzer units or themanifolds may include valves to selectively close and/or disconnect theelectrolyzer units from the manifolds for maintenance. Likewise,electrical cut off switches may allow one or more of the electrolyzerunits to be selectively used to generate hydrogen. For example, if poweroutput generated by the wind farm is greater than a target power outputlevel, an electrolyzer unit may be selectively used by closing theelectrical switch which allows the flow of electrical power to theelectrolyzer unit. Thus, the electrolyzer units are modular in design.

II. Hydrogen Storage and Shipping A. Liquid or Gaseous Hydrogen Storage

According to various embodiments, the hydrogen is stored on-site at thehydrogen production facility prior to shipping or distribution. However,the hydrogen may also be transported off-site and stored at anotherlocation. Storage of hydrogen can occur at reduced temperatures andincreased pressure such that hydrogen is in a partially liquid state,liquid state and/or a gaseous state. Hydrogen has a very high vaporpressure, low ignition energy, and wide flammability-explosion limits,leading to certain handling requirements. As with other liquid fuels,such as liquid natural gas, hydrogen may be removed from the storagefacility and shipped. Various modalities of storing hydrogen include,but are not limited to, one or more of the following: metal hydridetanks, compressed hydrogen, cooled hydrogen, chemically stored hydrogenincluding carbon nanotubes which store hydrogen.

Hydrogen may be stored and/or transported in gaseous form (compressed),or liquid form (in insulated tanks), depending on the pressure andtemperature of the hydrogen gas. As is understood by persons havingordinary skill in the art, the phase of hydrogen may be controlled byvarying the pressure, temperature, and volume of hydrogen gas. Thephysical properties of the gas may vary in accordance with principlesunderstood by persons having ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, it is desirable to compress hydrogen intohigh-pressure tanks. Such compression may occur upon production of thehydrogen at the electrolyzer unit. A compressor may be used to compressthe gas into the high-pressure tanks. In some embodiments, a single ormulti-stage compressor is used to compress the hydrogen. In certainembodiments, compressed gas tubes can be used to store the hydrogen.

In another embodiment, hydrogen is stored as a liquid at reducedtemperatures. Such reduced temperatures are about 15 to about 20 Kelvinat atmospheric pressure, or may vary with increased pressures. Forexample, hydrogen may be stored at temperatures less than roomtemperature and pressures greater than atmospheric pressure. Undercertain conditions, hydrogen may exist as a gas or liquid depending onthe exact conditions under which hydrogen is stored.

B. Storage Tanks

As hydrogen has a high vapor pressure, specialized containers arenecessary for the storage of hydrogen. In some embodiments, hydrogenstorage tanks are insulated to preserve temperature, and are reinforcedto store the liquid hydrogen under pressure. For example, insulated andfiber-reinforced compressed hydrogen gas tanks may be used. In some,embodiments, cryo-compressed containers may be used.

One non-limiting example of a suitable container is a container having aspherical or prismatic shape such as those present on a liquefiednatural gas ship. In another embodiment, the Moss-type aluminumspherical storage tanks may be used. Such storage tanks may beself-supporting. Another non-limiting example includes a self-supportingtank such as those used by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries.

Referring to FIG. 8, a spherical type container 101 may be used to storethe hydrogen. As shown, the spherical type container 101 is in liquidcommunication with hydrogen through pipe 105 and conduit 106. Conduit106 may be equipped with a valve for closing or opening the conduit 106as needed. One or more other spherical containers 101 may also bepresent on the pipe 105. In certain embodiments, hydrogen may betransferred away from the container 101. In some embodiments, hydrogenis transferred away from container 101 to a shipping container eitherlocated on a ship or a container that may be loaded onto a ship. Itcertain embodiments, container 101 may be transported to a ship forfurther shipping of the hydrogen.

Transfer of hydrogen from the original container to another containercould result in inefficiencies of the transfer process because of thecooling and warming of the hydrogen upon transfer and the loss ofhydrogen during the process. Thus, it is desirable in some embodimentsto use the hydrogen storage tank located at the hydrogen productionfacility as the shipping vessel. Advantageously, this allows thepreviously stored hydrogen, either compressed or cooled, to remain inthe hydrogen tank without experiencing changes in temperature orpressure.

In another embodiment, an insulated membrane supported by the ship'shull may be used. In certain embodiments, the ship may contain one ormore shipping membranes. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the ship is equippedwith multiple storage membranes. Such membranes may be supported by theship's hull. One example of such a suitable membrane is the Technigazand Gaz Transport which is a transport type member. Typically, thesemembranes consist of stainless steel with ‘waffles’ to absorb thethermal contraction when the tank is cooled down. As suggested above,such membranes may need to be fiber reinforced, or are contained inships with fiber reinforced hulls. Moreover, such membranes may containprimary and secondary membranes. Such membranes may also be made ofmaterials that incur very little thermal contraction such as invar.

Such membrane storage systems may be filled by introducing liquefiedhydrogen to the ship via a port and pipeline. One nonlimiting example ofa hydrogen pipeline would be the type used by Air Liquide in Europe andPraxair's 300 mile Gulf-Coast hydrogen pipeline. Approximately 1650miles of hydrogen pipeline exist in the United States and Europe.Generally, these pipelines have a diameter ranging from about 6 to about40 inches. A ship comprising a hydrogen storage membrane may connectwith the hydrogen pipeline, and thus receive hydrogen from hydrogenproduction facility. Since a lengthy pipeline would require highpressures or low temperatures, it is desirable to have a short pipelineto deliver the hydrogen from the storage modules to the shippingcontainers.

When ports and docks are not available a large bulk container ship canload and later unload hydrogen by means of mooring buoys and flexibletransfer lines. An example of where this method would be of particularbenefit is when transferring hydrogen to receiving facilities along thecoast line. This technique may be particularly suitable where deep waterports are not available but the proximity of the receiving station tothe ocean would allow a ship to come close and off load hydrogen.

In some embodiments, container ships may be used to transport hydrogen.Container ships are designed in such a manner that no space is wasted.Their capacity is measured in TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), thenumber of 20-foot containers a vessel can carry, even though themajority of containers used today are 40 feet (12 m) in length.Container ships may have a capacity ranging from about 10 and about15000 Twenty Foot Equivalent Units. Above a certain size, containerships do not carry their own loading gear, so loading and unloading canonly be done at ports with the necessary cranes. However, smaller shipswith capacities up to 2,900 TEUs are often equipped with their owncranes.

Referring to FIG. 10, a standardized container 120 having cornerfittings 130 and optional doors 125. One example of a standardizedcontainer is an ABS standardized container. The ABS regulates containerdimensions and makes them standardized. As these containers have similardimensions resulting in alignment of one or more corner fittings, thecontainers are stackable and transportable, whether on ship or land. Atypical container may have 8×8×20 foot dimensions. In some embodiments,containers may have 8×8×40 foot dimensions. Some containers have 8×8×48foot dimensions. While containers have been described in terms ofstandardized containers having certain dimensions, it is contemplatedthat any size container may be adapted for the same principles ofstacking and ease of transportation as described herein. As such, thecontainers may also have a variety of dimensions depending on the exactapplication.

Within such containers may be hydrogen shipping containers. Oneparticularly suited container is the hydrogen storage container 150shown in FIG. 12. In some embodiments, container 150 is a vacuuminsulated tank. In some embodiments, container 150 is configured tomaintain a cryogenic temperature. Container 150 may be equipped withvarious elements that are known for use in hydrogen tanks. For example,container 150 may include support structures or baffled plates, and itmay be divided into inner and outer tanks or into multiple tanksections. Baffled plates may be incorporated to minimize the vibrationof liquid hydrogen during transport.

Referring to FIG. 11, storage tank 151 may be equipped with a pluralityof saddle legs 152. The saddle legs 152 may be configured to conform tothe corner fittings 130 of so-called ABS standardized shippingcontainers. In certain embodiments, distance X is about 8 feet to matchthe standardized containers described above. In some embodiments, thetank's diameter is a distance between about 8 feet to about 12 feet.Distance Y may vary, but may be 9, 19 or 40, or other distancesdepending on the container size. In certain embodiments, distance Ymatches the ABS corner distances of standardized shipping containers. Incertain embodiments, saddle legs 152 may include shock absorbers tominimize movement of hydrogen within storage tank 151. In someembodiments, the storage tanks may contain up to about 20 kL of liquidhydrogen. In certain embodiments, the storage tank may container up toabout 40 kL of liquid hydrogen.

Referring to FIG. 12, hydrogen storage tank 150 may be stored withincontainer 120. Advantageously, such standard shipping containersincluding the hydrogen tanks may be shipped and transferred to trucksand/or rail cars, thus using current infrastructure in the shipping andfurther distribution of hydrogen from the hydrogen production facility.Standard shipping containers containing a hydrogen storage tank may thenbe trucked or railed after the ship delivers the container to a sea portor a hydrogen distribution facility. Such facility would typically belocated in a port capable of receiving such standard shippingcontainers. Such containers may then be transferred to other modes oftransportation such as railways or trucks, or such containers may beloaded onto barges or other ships for further delivery to a finallocation or another distribution center. Referring to FIG. 14, a typicaltrailer that may accommodate and haul a standard shipping container isshown.

In certain embodiments, hydrogen may be removed from a ship to storagetanks at the port by means of a pipeline as discussed above. Suchoffloaded hydrogen may then be stored and/or immediately loaded intotrucks, or railway cars that have permanent hydrogen storage tanks onthem. Such hydrogen storage tanks may come in various sizes includingtanks ranging between about 50 to 15000 gallon sizes. In addition thehydrogen can be loaded immediately or at a later time into hydrogentanks described herein and transported.

C. Hydrogen-Retrofit Power Generation Systems

1. Retrofitting Power Plants

In some embodiments, power plants may be converted to burn hydrogen togenerate heat. Current power plants include combustion power plants suchas coal, oil, natural gas, wood burning power plants, and nuclear powerplants. Retrofitting of such power plants to receive hydrogen producedby a wind farm includes installation of hydrogen storage tanks and/orpipelines at the power plant facility. In particular embodiments, thehydrogen storage tanks would deliver hydrogen to a burner at the powerplant.

In certain embodiments, currently existing furnaces could be replacedwith hydrogen burners or hydrogen combustion burners may be installed atthe power plant. In certain embodiments, it is advantageous to reuse theold housing to prevent substantial waste. In certain embodiments, thehydrogen burner may resemble a propane burner (e.g., like that on abarbeque grill). The orifices and size of the burner may be scaleddepending on the need of the power plant.

In particular embodiments, the combustion system of the power plants maybe replaced with a hydrogen combustion system. Such replacement mayrequire replacement of the original turbines with installation ofturbines modified to operate on hydrogen. Such turbines may be capableof generating electricity as they burn hydrogen. Advantageously,replacement of some or all of the previous power plant combustionsystems would reduce or eliminate production of greenhouse gases, slowglobal warming, and improve the efficiency of the power plant.

In some embodiments, currently existing gas turbines which burn fuel oiland/or natural gas may be modified to combust hydrogen. To convert suchgas turbines to hydrogen burning turbines, a hydrogen supply line may beused. In certain embodiments, modifications of fuel pumps, orifices,and/or the combustion chambers of the turbine may also be necessary.U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,569 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,568, which describevarious power plant retrofittings with hydrogen-fired combustion systemsare hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

In certain embodiments, exhaust gas from the turbines may be used tosuperheat water to operate a steam turbine. In some embodiments, a heatexchanger may be used. In other embodiments, the turbine exhaust is useddirectly to superheat water.

In some embodiments, a nuclear power plant may be configured to utilizehydrogen. Nuclear power plants generally use nuclear fuel to produceheat. The amount of heat produced is controlled by control rods in areaction chamber. Heat generated is then used, either directly orindirectly through a heat exchanger to superheat water. Superheatedwater may be used to operate a steam turbine. To configure a nuclearpower plant to use hydrogen, a nuclear reactor and fuel may be abandonedand replaced with hydrogen turbines as discussed above. In certainembodiments, heat from the exhaust gas from a hydrogen turbine may beused to heat water to steam and drive a steam turbine, either directlyor indirectly through the use of heat exchangers. In some embodiments,nuclear power may be used in combination with hydrogen combustion.

Referring to FIG. 13, hydrogen storage tank 410 may receive hydrogenfrom hydrogen transportation line 405. In certain embodiments, hydrogentransportation line 405 may receive hydrogen from a shipping vessel 400.As discussed above, certain embodiments include mooring buoys andhydrogen lines which receive hydrogen from a shipping vessel 400 whichis moored at the buoys. However, in some embodiments, hydrogentransportation transfer lines 405 may receive hydrogen from otherhydrogen sources such as a pipeline, a truck, or a hydrogen productionplant.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 13, a power plant may be retrofit withcertain components for combusting hydrogen. The power plant may includeone or more hydrogen turbines 420. Hydrogen turbine 420 may receivehydrogen from storage tank 410. In some embodiments, the hydrogenturbine receives off-gas from the top of the hydrogen tank 410.Alternatively, hydrogen turbine may receive hydrogen from transfer line405 directly. The one or more hydrogen turbines may combust hydrogen andgenerate electricity which is received by power grid 435. In someembodiments, hydrogen turbine 420 emit exhaust gases from the heat ofcombustion of the hydrogen. The exhaust gases may be used to heat water425, either directly through boilers or indirectly through heatexchangers. Steam from heated water 425 may be used to drive steamturbine 430. In turn, electricity may be delivered to power grid 435.

In certain embodiments, a hydrogen pump 415 may receive and deliverhydrogen to various vessels 415. In one embodiment, a hydrogen pump 415receives hydrogen from hydrogen tank 410 and delivers such hydrogen tovessels configured to receive hydrogen. For example, hydrogen pump 415may be used to deliver hydrogen to hydrogen powered cars or trucks.

2. Delivering Hydrogen to Retrofit Power Plants

In some embodiments, a power plant is located on or adjacent to thecoast line. Such location enables ships containing hydrogen to offloadhydrogen directly to the power plant. Advantageously, such methods ofoffloading hydrogen directly to a hydrogen burning power plant wouldavoid inefficiencies of transferring hydrogen through one or moredistribution means.

In particular embodiments, hydrogen is provided to a ship. Such hydrogenmay be produced from wind farms as further described herein. Hydrogentransport ships may transport the hydrogen to a hydrogen burning powerplant directly. In one embodiment, a hydrogen transport ship may bemoored to buoys offshore. In another embodiment, the power plants mayhave deep water access ports capable of receiving a hydrogen transportship. Hydrogen transport lines may be retrieved by the transport shipand hydrogen may be transferred from the ship directly to the powerplant. In certain embodiments, the transport ship may offload thehydrogen through a pipeline or by other similar transfer means. Incertain embodiments, the power plant comprises on-site storage tankswhich receive the hydrogen.

An example of where this method would be of particular benefit is whentransferring hydrogen to converted power plants along the Californiacoast. This mooring technique could be used to transfer hydrogen to theMorro Bay plant, Diablo Cannon plant, King Harbor power plant and anyother plant. In certain embodiments, the technique of mooring to buoysis beneficial where deep water ports are not available but the proximityof the plant to the ocean would allow a ship to come close and off-loadhydrogen through a pipeline or other flexible lines.

D. Distribution of Hydrogen

While certain embodiments have been described above relating to storagetanks 150 within an ABS standardized or other standardized shippingcontainer, the storage tank may also be used alone. For example, storagetank 151 (such as that shown in FIG. 11) that has saddles. This tank maybe mounted onto existing fleets of trucks in a similar manner asshipping containers. In embodiments including standardized shippingcontainers, these may be mounted onto a trailer such as that shown inFIG. 14.

The methods described above may be used to distribute hydrogen toconsumers. Infrastructure for consumer use of hydrogen is currentlybeing developed. One example of hydrogen use is in automobiles.Referring to FIG. 15, a hydrogen gas filling station 175 and pump 170are shown. A car 180 equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell may be poweredby hydrogen delivered from the hydrogen gas filling station 175. Incertain embodiments, the filling station 175 may receive hydrogen from ashipping truck or through a pipeline. The filling station 175 may beequipped with underground storage tanks, above ground storage tanks, andreplaceable storage tanks.

As discussed above, certain embodiments involve the shipping anddistribution of hydrogen in standardized containers. Such containers maybe filled at the point of generation (i.e., the hydrogen productionfacility) or a distribution center that receives hydrogen. In someembodiments, the containers including the hydrogen tanks may betransported to the filling station.

In certain embodiments, filling station 175 may be equipped with ahydrogen container distribution system. In some embodiments, thehydrogen container distribution system includes a plurality of slots.Each slot may accommodate one or more hydrogen shipping containers. Incertain embodiments, the plurality of slots includes at least threeshipping containers.

Referring to FIG. 16, the filling station may include at least threestandardized shipping containers 200, 205, 210. Each shipping container200, 205, 210 includes a hydrogen storage tank 150. In certainembodiments, each shipping container is located in a slot 211, such as agarage or storage bin or shroud to restrict access to the tankAlternatively, the container 200, 205, 210 may be located on sitewithout such slot 211. In one embodiment, one or more containers may befilled, partially filled, or empty.

Each hydrogen tank in the shipping container 200, 205, 210 may be influid connection with a manifold 215. Manifold 215 may selectivelydistribute hydrogen from the hydrogen tanks 150 to hydrogen pump 170. Ifone or more containers 200, 205, 210 are empty or are in the process ofbeing removed from the slot, the manifold may select a filled containerfrom which to receive hydrogen and deliver such hydrogen to a hydrogenpump 170. Hydrogen pump 170 may be equipped with a meter to identify thevolume dispensed to a consumer. Hydrogen pump 170 may also be equippedwith a payment receiving means such as a credit card or ATM card reader,or a cash input device.

A hydrogen shipping truck may be used to deliver, remove, and/or fillthe hydrogen storage tank 150 in the standardized shipping containers,200, 205, 210. In one embodiment, a hydrogen shipping truck mayselectively till one or more empty or partially filled hydrogen storagetanks 150 in containers 200, 205, 210. In other embodiments a hydrogenshipping truck may remove one or more of the empty or partially filledhydrogen storage tanks 150 in the containers 200, 205, 210. To do so,the hydrogen shipping truck, may remove the entire container 200, 205,210 housing the empty or partially filled hydrogen storage tank 150.

In some embodiments, shipping containers 200, 205, 210 may betransferred to a hydrogen shipping truck by standard lifting andtransportation techniques. In other embodiments, a certain deliverysystem described in FIG. 17 may be used. Referring to FIG. 17, hydrogenshipping trailer 300 has a rail system 305 which includes at least twoparallel rails 306, 307 configured to accommodate a standard shippingcontainer 120. Each rail 306, 307 includes one or more rollers 310. Theone or more rollers 310 facilitate receiving and delivering a standardshipping container 120. Upon receiving a standard shipping container,the one or more retractable rollers 310 may be retracted and thestandard shipping container 120 would become stationary and supported bythe rail system 305. However, in other embodiments, the rollers are notretractable and the rollers are used to support the shipping container120. In some embodiments, the rails 306, 307 may also include a pinsystem 315 for affixing the shipping container 120 to the rails 306,307.

In some embodiments, rails 306, 307 are about 2 inches wide and 8 inchestall and about 4 feet apart. However, the spacing and the size of therails may be determined by the exact container size. In someembodiments, the containers may be equipped with wheels at each end tofacilitate guiding the containers on and off the trucks.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 17, loading dock 320 may also be equippedwith a rail system including one or more rails 326, 327. Loading dockrails 326, 327 are configured to be at the same height as trailer rails306, 307 to facilitate the loading and unloading of containers at thesame height. Loading dock rails may also include rollers 330, which areoptionally retractable. A winch 335 or other device configured to move astandard shipping container may be used to move the standard shippingcontainer 120 to the loading dock 320. Alternatively, a moving tracksuch as a conveyor belt or a moving link chain may be used to move thestandard shipping containers 120 to and away from the loading dock 320.

Referring to FIG. 18, a hydrogen delivery truck 470 may be equipped witha tiltable bed trailer. A hydrogen container 120 may be positioned onand/or affixed to the delivery truck 470. In certain embodiments,container 120 may be equipped with wheels 460. In certain embodiments,wheels 460 are configured to match the corner fittings of the container.In particular embodiments, a lock and pin system may be used to affixthe wheels 460 to the container. As the trailer bed is raised, thecontainer will roll from the trailer bed to the ground or a selecteddelivery positions such as on a dock. The truck or trailer may furtherbe equipped with winch 455 and cable 450 for unloading or loading ofcontainers onto the trailer.

Some embodiments also relate to consumer use in smaller devices.Referring to FIG. 19, a portable hydrogen filling station 185 may beused to fill car 180 with hydrogen. Portable hydrogen filling station185 may receive a container or tank of H₂ which can be dispensed asdesired.

The various methods and techniques described above provide a number ofways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be understood thatnot necessarily all objectives or advantages described may be achievedin accordance with any particular embodiment described herein.

Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeabilityof various features from different embodiments. Similarly, the variousfeatures and steps discussed above, as well as other known equivalentsfor each such feature or step, can be mixed and matched by one ofordinary skill in this art to perform methods in accordance withprinciples described herein.

Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certainembodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the invention is notintended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferredembodiments herein.

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 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled) 11.(canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. A systemfor generating electricity, the system comprising: A hydrogen consumingelectrical power plant, the power plant comprising: A gas turbineconfigured to combust hydrogen; An electrical generator coupled to thegas turbine for generating electricity; The hot exhaust of the gasturbine being captured in a conduit system; A steam turbine configuredto generate electricity, the steam turbine being driven by steamgenerated at least in part from the exhaust of the gas turbine whichcombusts hydrogen.
 21. The system of claim 1 wherein the gas turbine isretrofitted to combust hydrogen.
 22. The system of claim 1 wherein thegas turbine is designed to combust hydrogen.
 23. The system of claim 1wherein the steam turbine is coupled to a heat exchanger.
 24. The systemof claim 1 wherein the conduit system from the gas turbine is configuredto deliver the hot exhaust gases from the gas turbine to the heatexchanger, and wherein the heat exchanger is configured to convert waterto steam, the steam driving the steam turbine.